Articles by: S. Victor Aaron

Vinyl

One Track Mind: Charlie Musselwhite "Church Is Out" (2007)

by Pico Wow, I nearly missed this one. For years now, I’ve been a fan of the man from Memphis for his undiluted brand of deeply rooted electric blues and for his harmonica that currently has no peer with the recent passing of Carey Bell. After Musselwhite’s highly acclaimed SanctuaryRead More

John McLaughlin / Jaco Pastorius / Tony Williams - 'Trio of Doom' (2007)

John McLaughlin / Jaco Pastorius / Tony Williams – ‘Trio of Doom’ (2007)

Jaco Pastorius dubbed this all-star pairing the “Trio of Doom.” It became more fittingly the “Doomed Trio.”

Vinyl

Little River Band, “Happy Anniversary” (1977): One Track Mind

The long-lost 8-track of Little River Band’s ‘Diamantina Cocktail’ has been playing in my mind, repeating the third song over and over again.

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Bill Evans, Everybody Digs Bill Evans (1958)

by S. Victor Aaron The classic record showcasing the masterful piano of a just-maturing Bill Evans is back. More to the point, it returns in 24-bit remastered form as part of Orrin Keepnews’currently running “Keepnews Collection” reissue campaign, straight from the original producer of such notable jazz records by ChetRead More

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Sam Yahel Trio, Truth And Beauty (2007)

by Pico Joey deFrancesco. Tony Monaco. Larry Goldings. Barbara Dennerlein. All at the forefront of the current generation of jazz organists and heirs to the mantle of Jimmy Smith, Charles Earland and Jack McDuff. Oh yeah, there’s one more notable: Sam Yahel. But with the release this week of hisRead More

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Aerosmith, “Seasons of Wither” from ‘Get Your Wings’ (1974): Deep Cuts

Familiar band, not-so-familiar song. But perhaps Aerosmith’s “Seasons of Wither” should be more familiar.

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Michael Brecker – ‘Pilgrimage’ (2007)

My list of the best swan song jazz recordings is in need of an update. Michael Brecker’s posthumously released ‘Pilgrimage’ is a deserving addendum.

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Porcupine Tree, “Fear Of A Blank Planet” (2007): One Track Mind

I tried but, damnit, I just couldn’t ignore Fear Of A Blank Planet any longer. Whenever someone asks me who among the current crop of prog rock bands they should explore, Porcupine Tree is always on the top of my list. While I enjoy Yes-reincarnated outfits like Spock’s Beard, PTRead More

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Scott Fisher & 1am Approach – ‘Step Into The Future’ (2007)

A few months ago we bemoaned the dearth of talent promoted by record labels while there’s an abundance of it out there unsigned, and put forth Vancouver’s own Heidi McCurdy as an example of overlooked artistry. About three hundred miles south in Portland, Oregon is yet another diamond in theRead More

Vinyl

One Track Mind: Caspar Brotzmann, "Massaker" (1994)

Sometimes, people listen to music with too much of their brain. I’m just suggesting you give your skull some attention. –zingzing As someone who’s guilty of taking more than a few strolls down the cerebral sidewalk of music, even I’d have to admit you have to keep your cranium happyRead More